School Bullying Policy

GRIEGOS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Procedure for Reporting and Responding to Bullying

To qualify as bullying, an incident must involve an imbalance of power between the aggressor and target. Bullying usually involves multiple incidences, the aggressor and the target have drastically different reactions to the incident, and the target feels powerless to self-advocate.

PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING AN INCIDENT OF BULLYING BEHAVIOR

Parents and staff are directed to report any incidents of bullying to the Principal, Teacher, or Counselor.

Students may bring the incident to the attention of a Teacher, Counselor, Principal or any school personnel.

A procedure is in place for students to anonymously report bullying.

SCHOOL POLICY ON DEALING WITH INCIDENTS OF BULLYING

Reported incidents are investigated and documented. The student who is alleged to be the aggressor and the alleged target are interviewed separately.

The parents of all students involved are notified.

All incidents of bullying are viewed as serious offenses.

The student who is the target may be referred to the School Counselor to develop skills to deal with bullying behavior.

If disciplinary steps are warranted, the aggressor will be:

Ticketed using the Discipline Ticket.

Referred to the School Counselor to learn empathy skills and alternative ways of dealing with peers.

Advised that if they do not stop the behavior, they will be requested to remain at home for a one day suspension (or in-school suspension) to reflect on their behavior.

Advised that if the behavior continues, they will be recommended for suspension for a period up to 3 days.

Advised that if the behavior continues, the police will be involved.

SCHOOL BULLY PREVENTION AND EDUCATION PROGRAM

Students will be taught that: I will not bully and I will report bullying to an adult. School rules are taught by teachers and enforced by the Counselor, Teachers, and all staff.

All students will be given classroom guidance to address bullying behavior. Second Step (K-2nd) and Steps to Respect (3rd-5th) will be used as curriculum in the classrooms, and taught by the School Counselor. In addition to Recognizing, Refusing and Reporting Bullying, Conflict Resolution, Problem-Solving, and Anger Management are taught to all students.

Mediation by the School Counselor is available to all students to prevent the escalation of conflicts.